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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
08:09
Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
Parental corporal punishment predicts behavior problems in early childhood
Matthew K Mulvaney1, Carolyn J Mebert
1Department of Psychology, University of New Hampshire. mmulvane@brockport.edu
Summary
Corporal punishment (CP) uniquely contributes to children's behavior problems, especially in toddlers with difficult temperaments. Reducing CP may improve child mental health and decrease behavioral issues.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Corporal punishment (CP) is a prevalent parenting practice with debated effects on child development.
- Understanding the unique impact of CP on behavior problems is crucial for effective interventions.
- Existing research often lacks longitudinal data controlling for confounding variables.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal impact of corporal punishment on children's behavior problems.
- To identify specific child and contextual factors that may moderate the effects of CP.
- To inform parents and professionals about the risks associated with CP.
Main Methods:
- Utilized longitudinal data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development.
- Employed longitudinal analyses controlling for contextual and parenting variables.
- Partialed child effects to isolate the unique contribution of CP.
Main Results:
- Parental corporal punishment uniquely predicts negative behavioral adjustment at 36 months and 1st grade.
- CP's effects were more pronounced in children with difficult temperaments at 36 months.
- The study controlled for significant confounding variables in its analyses.
Conclusions:
- Corporal punishment uniquely contributes to children's behavior problems.
- Early intervention and parenting support are essential to reduce CP.
- Family policies aimed at reducing CP could enhance child mental health.
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